Indian Wrestlers Shine at World Championships with Historic Silver Medals
On Wednesday, Indian wrestlers Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi made headlines at the World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, each earning a silver medal after tough final matches.
Eighteen-year-old Kajal Dhochak, competing in the 76kg weight class, faced off against Anastasiya Alpyeyeva from Ukraine. This was Kajal’s first appearance at the senior World Championships, having previously secured two consecutive U20 world titles. In a thrilling match, she was tied 4-4 until the last 30 seconds, where she lost through a sudden four-point swing, ending the bout at 8-6 against her. Though this was disappointing, Kajal made history as the first Indian woman to win a medal in the heavyweight category at the World Championships.
In the 50kg category, 26-year-old Neelam found herself against the formidable Yui Susaki, a four-time world champion from Japan. After trailing 0-5, Neelam lost the match by fall, but her achievement of a silver medal was remarkable, showcasing the growth of Indian wrestling on an international stage.
These medal wins are significant milestones, marking the first time two Indian women reached the finals in the same World Championship event. This achievement builds on the progress of Indian wrestling, following Anshu Malik’s silver win in the 57kg category in 2021, which was also a historic moment for the sport.
Kajal’s Impressive Journey
Kajal’s journey to the silver medal in Kazakhstan adds another chapter to her quickly rising career. Hailing from Haryana, she has become one of India’s top wrestling talents, previously winning the U20 World Championships. In 2025, she clinched the women’s 72kg title and followed it up with a gold in the 76kg category the next year, defeating China’s Jingru Sun with a decisive 7-0 score.
Her performance in Astana featured several impressive victories, including a remarkable comeback against Kyrgyzstan’s Aiperi Medet Kyzy in the semifinals, where Kajal turned a 1-7 deficit into a 10-7 win. While she didn’t become India’s first female senior world champion, the silver medal on her debut reflects her bright future in senior competitions.
Neelam’s Path to the Final
Neelam’s silver medal is the result of her long journey in wrestling. Originating from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, her family has a strong wrestling background. Under the guidance of chief coach Virender Dahiya at Najafgarh Stadium in Delhi, she has honed her skills and made significant progress, culminating in her strong performance in Kazakhstan.
Starting her campaign with a solid 6-0 win over Belarus’ Natallia Varakina, Neelam advanced to the quarterfinals, thanks to an injury withdrawal from her Russian opponent. She then secured her place in the finals by defeating Kazakhstan’s Zeinep Bayanova 7-3, showcasing her tactical skills and determination.
Facing off against Susaki in the final was a tall order, given Susaki’s impressive track record as an Olympic champion and multiple-time world titleholder. Although Neelam didn’t win the match, her journey to the finals has established her as a significant contender in international wrestling.
Overall, the performances by Kajal and Neelam mark a thrilling chapter for Indian wrestling, paving the way for future athletes in the sport.
